ECRA’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

In January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) announced its first Amateur Radio VHF/UHF repeater system in Peyton, Colorado, located in eastern El Paso County — designated as “System 1.” System 1 is the initial deployment of three ECRA-planned VHF/UHF systems and will include a range of capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar and EchoLink. Additional features such as, 10-meter and 220 MHz repeaters are being planned along with some novel technologies not currently found elsewhere in Colorado — including along the Front Range.

In parallel, System 2 was officially announced January 2026 with final deployment planned for Summer 2026 in Yuma, Colorado, and System 3 will follow in the southeastern corner of the state. Together these three sites will form the backbone of the “ECRA Network,” a unified triad of primary systems designed to expand and improve radio communications throughout eastern Colorado, increase redundancy, and enable more seamless linking between regions.

Our mission extends beyond simple signal coverage — we aim to contribute to the long-term resilience, operational readiness, and growth of the communities we serve by providing interoperable, scalable communications resources and fostering collaboration among amateur operators and public-safety partners.

ECRA’s first VHF/UHF system, “System 1,” became operational and open for use as of September 1, 2025. Located in the Town of Falcon, Eastern El Paso County, Colorado. All ECRA repeaters are ‘WIDE’-banded.

System 1, E. El Paso County VHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 147.0300 MHz, with an input frequency of 147.6300 MHz

*Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

System 1, E. El Paso County UHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 447.8750 MHz and an input frequency of 442.8750 MHz

* Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

Real-world testing of System 1 is well underway in Winter 2026 as we continue to make improvements and features; ensuring robust performance and reliability for all users. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on system operation and usage. Along with System 1 becoming fully operational, we will begin planning the installation of ECRAs first remote receiver site for System 1 (Summer 2027).

Exciting UPDATE — 01/24/2026 -See video below as well!

ECRA is pleased to announce that “System 2,” our next repeater system, will be installed in Yuma, Colorado during the summer of 2026. This project is a collaborative effort with CHS High Plains in Yuma, and System 2 will be hosted on CHS High Plains infrastructure.

System 2 will be a VHF/UHF repeater system incorporating advanced, innovative features to deliver reliable and robust communications across the northeast region of rural Colorado. In addition to supporting everyday Amateur Radio operations, the system is being designed to provide critical backup and coordination capabilities for regional emergency communications and mutual-aid logistics from the same site.

“System 3” will be ECRA’s third planned repeater system, to be placed in southeast rural Colorado. We already have several possible sites and will start work after System 2 is installed and finished.

Stay tuned to the “repeater” page here, at the bottom of the page for repeater system(s) status.

Additionally, we will certainly be updating our social media, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 and our website here with more information, pictures and videos. Stay tuned!